National
President, PM Sheikh Hasina, Bhutanese King Honor Liberation War Martyrs on 54th Independence Day
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid heartfelt tributes to the martyrs of the Liberation War by laying wreaths at the National Martyrs’ Memorial on the outskirts of the capital early this morning, marking the 54th Independence and National Day.
Accompanying them, Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, currently on a four-day official visit to Bangladesh at the special invitation of President Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the 54th Independence Day celebrations, also honored the Liberation War heroes by placing a wreath at 5:57 am.
In a solemn ceremony, the President led by placing the first wreath at the memorial altar around 5:56 am, followed by the Prime Minister and then the Bhutanese King.
Bhutan holds a significant place in Bangladesh’s history as the first country to recognize its independence on December 6, 1971. After 11 years, King Wangchuck, accompanied by his wife, visited Dhaka to partake in Bangladesh’s Independence Day festivities.
After the wreath-laying ceremony, a moment of profound silence was observed by the President, the Prime Minister, and the Bhutanese King as a mark of respect for the martyrs of the Great War of Liberation in 1971. Meanwhile, a smartly turned-out contingent from the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force rendered a state salute, accompanied by the solemn sound of bugles playing the last post.
Following the ceremony, the Head of State, the Head of Government, and the Bhutanese King and Queen Jetsun Pema penned their respects in the visitors’ book placed on the memorial premises.
Flanked by her party leaders, Sheikh Hasina, also the President of the Bangladesh Awami League, paid glowing tributes to the Liberation War martyrs by laying another wreath at the National Memorial on behalf of her party.
A diverse assembly including representatives from the parliament, the judiciary, ministers, advisers, senior politicians, leaders of the AL-led 14-party alliance, members of parliament, valiant freedom fighters, chiefs of the armed forces, diplomats, representatives of different development partners, and high-ranking civil and military officials gathered to honor the occasion.
Each year, March 26 serves as a poignant reminder of one of history’s darkest episodes, marking a nine-month bloody struggle that began on the night of March 25, 1971, culminating in the long-awaited independence on December 16 of the same year, attained at a great cost.
In response to the military crackdown by the then Pakistan occupation force, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared the independence of Bangladesh through the East Pakistan Rifles wireless at 00:30 hours on March 26, 1971, from his historic residence at Road-32 in Dhanmondi.
This day holds profound significance and sentiment for the Bengali Nation, commemorating its hard-fought journey towards freedom and sovereignty.
Rain or thundershowers are likely in various parts of the country as the day temperature may further decrease amidst a severe heat wave in Pabna, Jashore, Chuadanga, and Bagerhat districts, according to a meteorological release today.
The release predicts rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty/squally winds in a few places across the Sylhet division and at one or two places in Rangpur, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions, with hails possible at isolated locations within the next 24 hours starting from 9 am today.
Mild to moderate heat waves are sweeping over Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Barishal divisions, as well as the remaining parts of Khulna division, and the districts of Moulvibazar and Chandpur, as per the release.
The weather is expected to remain mainly dry with temporary partly cloudy skies elsewhere across the country.
Day and night temperatures are likely to remain nearly unchanged nationwide.
The sun sets at 6:29 pm today and rises at 5:21 am tomorrow in the capital.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged mill and factory owners to prioritize the welfare of laborers by reducing their luxuries. Addressing a discussion at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, she emphasized that laborers enable owners to lead lavish lives through their hard work.
She cautioned laborers against actions that could harm the factories providing them with employment opportunities. Sheikh Hasina noted that some individuals incite workers to protest unnecessarily, which ultimately damages both the workers’ interests and the country’s economy.
Highlighting the symbiotic relationship between owners and laborers, she stressed the need for increased industrial production for Bangladesh’s overall development. Sheikh Hasina encouraged both parties to approach her directly to resolve any issues, emphasizing her commitment to addressing their concerns.
She distributed financial assistance to labor families and attended a cultural program, accompanied by various dignitaries including State Minister for Labour and Employment, Md Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, and representatives from international organizations.
Sheikh Hasina proudly described her government as pro-labor, citing initiatives such as wage increases, workplace safety measures, childcare facilities, and maternity leave provisions. She highlighted the steady increase in workers’ salaries under her government’s tenure, affirming her party’s dedication to labor welfare.
Asserting Bangladesh’s commitment to international labor standards, she warned against any exploitation of workers and pledged to hold accountable those responsible for withholding fair wages.
The Prime Minister also outlined government efforts to boost education and employment opportunities, including free textbooks and vocational training programs. She mentioned the Karmasangsthan Bank, established to provide loans to youth entrepreneurs without collateral.
In summary, Sheikh Hasina’s government prioritizes labor welfare, fosters a conducive environment for economic growth, and remains vigilant against any exploitation of workers.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued a cautionary notice indicating that the current heatwave is anticipated to endure for 72 consecutive hours commencing Thursday morning.
The BMD attributes the prolonged discomfort to heightened moisture incursion, amplifying the oppressive conditions.
This advisory comes subsequent to prior warnings released on April 19th and April 22nd, underscoring the BMD’s ongoing vigilance and management of the adverse weather dynamics impacting the area.
